Performing Arts
Music Matters
New piano teacher: We are very excited to announce that due to a large number of piano tuition enrolments, we are able to welcome a new piano teacher, Mr Aleks Petkovic, who will be starting lessons with us next week. Aleks comes to us with a wealth of teaching and performance experience in the jazz, contemporary and classical genres. He also teaches at Riverview, St Joseph’s College and Shore, so is an expert in teaching young men! Aleks will also be assisting with accompanying our HSC Music students. Should your son be interested in learning piano, please register via Clipboard or contact Mr Stephen Cummins, Private Tuition Coordinator, scummins@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au for more information.
Open Day: Saturday 22 March
We are excited to have many of our ensembles playing at this event. Students are expected as follows. Any students with clashing sporting commitments should advise their ensemble director ASAP. For any queries, please contact the PA Ensemble Coordinator, Mr Andrew Saar: asaar@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Open Day Schedule
All students to meet at MR2 no later than 10 minutes before they are due to perform
Time for each ensemble includes set up and getting on stage
If students are involved in being tour guides or helping in other departments, the performance takes priority, and they are to play before returning to their other sections.
Students are to be in summer uniform unless they are coming to or from sport (then they can wear school sports uniform).
An Evening of Jazz with James Morrison
Tickets are now on sale to see this legendary Australian Jazz icon at St Pius X College!
James will be working with our jazz ensemble students throughout the day on Friday 23 May, followed by a masterclass with his quartet for all our interested musicians after school.
This day will culminate in a special concert that evening, where James will be performing with our jazz ensembles as well as his own quartet and will also include performances by our concert bands. An email has been sent to Performing Arts families detailing which students will be performing and therefore won’t require a ticket. We hope you can join us for this extraordinary event!
Tickets can be purchased at:
or using the QR code:
College Drama production: Oliver Twist tickets are now on sale!
Oliver Twist: we are excited to announce that tickets are now on sale for the College’s production of the play, Oliver Twist. Performances are Week 1 next term on 30 April, 1 May and 2 May, at 7:00 pm in the Zenith Theatre, Chatswood.
Our Leader of Learning, Drama, Ms Penny Lindley, with assistance from Mr Andrew Saar and Mr Stephen Cummins (music) includes a talented cast from SPX, Mercy College and Loreto Normanhurst, who have been working tirelessly to produce an entertaining and thoughtful rendition of this classic. Our last production sold out, so don’t miss out! All tickets are a very reasonable $30.
Book your tickets here:
Some exciting dates for your diaries:
PAPA parents’ social evening – 28 March, 6:30 pm, The Willoughby Hotel
Oliver Twist College drama production – 30 April, 1 May, 2 May, 7:00 pm, at the Zenith Theatre, Chatswood
James Morrison – the one and only jazz legend will be performing with our jazz ensembles and his own quartet in ‘An Evening of Jazz’ – 23 May, tickets on sale now
Chamber Music Concert - Friday 30 May, 7:00 pm, Sarto Centre
PAPA Comedy Fundraiser – 20 September
From PAPA:
SAVE THE DATE: PAPA parents and carers' social event
You are invited to join us for our first social event to connect with other Performing Arts parents and carers! Enjoy drinks and finger food on Friday, 28 March, from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm at The Willoughby Hotel.
There is no cost for this event but registrations are essential as spaces are limited. Please register either via the QR code above or using the link below:
Mrs Annabel Westhoff - Leader of Learning, Performing Arts
Drama Matters
Oliver Twist
Thanks to everyone who has already bought tickets. The sales are looking very healthy but still plenty available to the wider community.
Students are now asked to be at every rehearsal. They should bring schoolwork, laptops and scripts so they can use their time productively. All lines must now be learnt with no exceptions.
Upcoming Rehearsals
Drama Elective Excursion: Picnic at Hanging Rock
Yesterday, Elective Drama students attended a new theatrical version of the iconic play 'Picnic at Hanging Rock' at the Opera House Drama Studio, directed by Sydney Theatre Company's resident director, Ian Michael. This fresh interpretation promises to be a captivating experience, showcasing first-class acting and innovative staging choices. Students will have the unique opportunity to analyse not only the acting choices but also the production elements, including how the set, props, and costumes work together to tell the story through the director's vision. This outing is more than just a performance; it is a chance for students to deepen their understanding of theatre and immerse themselves in the dramatic arts. We would like to extend our gratitude to PAPA for their support in covering part of the costs for this excursion. Their continued financial help is much appreciated.
Year 7 Chase Cartoon Assignment
More creativity on display. Well done to the Year 7 Drama cohort for your impressive efforts!
Upcoming events
Oliver Twist Rehearsals: Ongoing – please check the schedule. ALL CAST rehearsals begin from Friday 14 March. Monday 17 March is a crew meeting for all students who are involved with the play. Buy your tickets now!
Oliver Twist: Holiday Rehearsals and pre-Zenith Dress Rehearsals: 24 April - 27 April ALL CAST, crew and musicians on certain days. Students will rehearse with costumes and props so this will be a very exciting time.
Intermediate Drama Ensemble: Will continue for the next two weeks before our break for Oliver Twist. We are lucky to have ex-student Michael Krizan supporting us and working closely with the students.
Ms Penny Lindley - Leader of Learning, Drama